Decadent Chocolate Tunnel Cake
Indulge in the rich, velvety layers of our Decadent Chocolate Tunnel Cake. This delightful dessert combines a luscious chocolate cake mix with a silky-smooth chocolate pudding layer, creating a mouthwatering surprise in every slice. Enhanced with the creamy notes of Baileys Irish Cream, this cake is a perfect centerpiece for celebrations or a sweet treat after dinner. Whether drizzled with melted chocolate or simply dusted with powdered sugar, this cake promises to impress your family and friends, making it an instant favorite at any gathering.
10
Servings
280
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
milk
1.5 cups (Use whole or 2% milk for a richer flavor.)
chocolate pudding mix
1 (3.5 ounce) box (Use cook and serve pudding for best results.)
chocolate chips
1 cup (Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.)
butter
1 tablespoon (Use unsalted butter for better control of the flavor.)
devil's food cake mix
1 (18 ounce) package (Pick your favorite brand.)
oil
1/2 cup (Canola or vegetable oil works well.)
sour cream
1/2 cup (Use full-fat sour cream for creaminess.)
Baileys Irish Cream
1/2 cup (Store-brand or original Baileys can be used.)
eggs
4 (Large eggs are recommended.)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Use pure vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, pour in the milk and add the chocolate pudding mix. Whisk continuously over medium heat until the mixture starts to boil, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and butter until fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 12-cup Bundt pan by greasing it well or using a non-stick cooking spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil's food cake mix, oil, sour cream, Baileys Irish Cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the batter is smooth and well combined.
4
Reserve 2 cups of the cake batter by setting it aside. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Carefully spoon the chocolate pudding mixture into a ring shape on top of the batter, ensuring that the pudding does not touch the sides of the pan for the best results. Finally, spoon the reserved cake batter on top, covering the pudding layer.
5
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake; check for doneness around the 30-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.
6
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. You can choose to frost the cake, drizzle with melted chocolate, or simply dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
38g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Chocolate Tunnel Cake?
A Decadent Chocolate Tunnel Cake is a rich dessert that combines a devil's food cake mix with a silky-smooth chocolate pudding layer and the creamy flavor of Baileys Irish Cream.
What type of cake mix is used for this recipe?
This recipe uses one 18-ounce package of devil's food cake mix.
Can I use instant pudding mix?
The recipe recommends using a 3.5-ounce box of cook and serve chocolate pudding mix for the best results.
What kind of milk is best for the pudding layer?
Whole or 2% milk is recommended to achieve a richer flavor.
Which chocolate chips should I use?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are suggested for a deeper, richer chocolate taste.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended so you can have better control over the flavor.
What is the purpose of sour cream in the batter?
Full-fat sour cream is used to add creaminess and moisture to the cake batter.
Can I use a different brand of Irish Cream?
Yes, you can use the original Baileys or any store-brand Irish Cream.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 4 large eggs.
What kind of oil works best in the cake?
Canola or vegetable oil both work well for this batter.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size Bundt pan is needed?
A 12-cup Bundt pan is required for this recipe.
How do I prepare the Bundt pan?
Grease the pan well or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
How long does it take to cook the pudding?
Whisk the milk and pudding mix over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until it starts to boil.
Why do I need to reserve 2 cups of cake batter?
The reserved 2 cups of batter are used to cover the pudding layer, sealing the 'tunnel' inside the cake.
How do I create the tunnel effect?
Carefully spoon the chocolate pudding mixture in a ring shape on top of the initial batter layer in the pan.
Should the pudding touch the sides of the pan?
For the best results, try to keep the pudding ring away from the sides of the pan.
What is the total baking time?
The cake should bake for 45-50 minutes.
When should I first check the cake for doneness?
Check the cake around the 30-minute mark as oven temperatures can vary.
How do I know if the cake is done?
A toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the pudding) should come out clean.
How long should the cake cool before inverting?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before flipping it onto a plate.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
Each slice contains 38 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the cake?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of vanilla extract is recommended?
Pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best flavor enhancement.
How should I decorate the finished cake?
You can frost the cake, drizzle it with melted chocolate, or simply dust it with powdered sugar.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich layers and impressive presentation make it a perfect centerpiece for celebrations.
What makes the texture of the pudding layer smooth?
Stirring in the chocolate chips and butter until fully melted into the hot pudding creates a silky-smooth texture.